Namon Huddleston
Induction Year: 2023
What Impact has Summit had on your life?
Summit is unique because it is rooted in community. You cannot help but be motivated to do your best to advance the team, regardless of your own performance. I was immediately drawn to taking on leadership roles because I was surrounded by some of the best humans to play the sport. I’ve played on travel teams in other cities, and it’s clear to me that Summit’s success on the fields didn’t happen accidentally. It was incredibly intentional. Every time you wear a Summit jersey, you commit more of yourself because everyone around you is doing the same. You don’t see that passion and commitment in other cities. Because of this community-focus, I have developed my own leadership skills. More importantly, I have grown life-long friendships through Summit, and I am sure I am not unique in that experience. In fact, my best man at my wedding is a Summit player. I get dinners with Summit players. I vacation with Summit players. The list goes on and on. I am deeply honored to be a Summit player.
What is one of your favorite memories related to Summit?
Some of my favorite moments came from coaching and nurturing new Summit players, many of which were selected to maybe not play right away but to learn from so many talented veterans. Vets and rookies came together in a big way during the first Denver hosted Gay Bowl. In those days, teams had to win their way into A division play and we did that by whooping butts in that tournament.
Earlier that same year, our little Summit team knocked of four-time defending Pride Bowl champion Phoenix to capture our first A division tournament title. One favorite memory was when I had the opportunity to recruit a league player to join Summit. I was watching Justin Stanek lighting up the league with his Usain Bolt like speed and thought he would make a great addition to Summit. With a little encouragement and mentoring I’ve been able to watch Justin grow from Summit newbie to gay bowl champion while helping to lead the Summit football club.
Message for future summit players:
Summit offers you not only a place to compete at the highest levels but also a place where individual contributions matter. After one brutal loss, a Summit player proclaimed that he “would run through a brick wall for this team” and the entire team shouted “SUMMIT!” That level of camaraderie and commitment isn’t easily duplicated. If you bring all of yourself to Summit, the rewards go beyond victories on the field (although those are nice!). You join a ride-or-die community with life-long friendships. Go Summit!